Depaneling systems

ABSTRACT

A depaneling system is disclosed for cutting a panel. The depaneling system comprises a tooling apparatus and a cutting apparatus. The tooling apparatus helps hold the panel in place with suction during cutting of said panel and collects dust particles generated by the cutting of the panel. The cutting apparatus is comprised of a housing, a drive motor, a cutting unit, and a drive connector. The housing separates the drive motor from the cutting unit. The housing comprises a first section and a second section separated by a dividing member. The drive connector, such as a belt, passes through the first section of the housing. The second section of the housing forms a path for the dust particles.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of the filingdate of provisional application Ser. No. 60/350,648 filed on Jan. 22,2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention is related to the field of depaneling systems, andin particular, to depaneling systems with cleaner and more efficientoperation.

[0004] 2. Statement of the Problem

[0005] There are a variety of machines used to cut Printed CircuitBoards (PCB) out of a stock panel. Some of the PCBs that are cut arehave components on them, and other PCBs are bare. Most machines on themarket have a saw with a blade or router bit that is fixed in themachine and faces upwardly. The machines also have movable toolingpositioned above the saw. To cut the PCBs out of a panel, the panel isclamped into the tooling. The tooling is then moved into place above thesaw. The tooling then moves the panel over the saw to cut the PCBs fromthe panel.

[0006] There are other machines that have a movable saw. The saw may bepositioned above the tooling instead of below the tooling. To cut thePCBs out of a panel, the panel is again clamped into or set onto thetooling. The tooling is then moved into place underneath the saw. Thesaw then moves over the panel to cut the PCBs from the panel. Someexamples of depaneling systems are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.5,894,648, U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,740, U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,554, U.S. Pat.No. 4,683,789, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,615, which are all herebyincorporated by reference.

[0007] Most of the machines include some kind of suction with the saw tocatch dust generated by cutting the PCBs. Unfortunately, these machinesonly catch the dust particles from one side of the PCB, that being thesaw side. Dust on the other side of the panel, that being the toolingside of the PCB, may drift into the air.

[0008] The current machines also are direct drive, meaning that the sawblade is directly connected to the motor. Such a configuration savesspace and allows for use or saw blades or router bits. Direct drive sawsspin at speeds between 10,000 to 50,000 rpm. Unfortunately, these highspeeds shorten the life of the saw blades. The high speeds also generatefiner dust when cutting, which makes it more difficult to collect thedust during cutting.

SUMMARY OF THE SOLUTION

[0009] The invention helps solve the above problems with an improveddepaneling system comprised of a tooling apparatus and a cuttingapparatus. The tooling apparatus is configured to facilitate cutting ofthe panel by supporting a bottom side of the panel and helping to holdthe panel in place with suction during cutting of the panel. The toolingapparatus also collects dust particles generated by cutting of the panelfrom the tooling apparatus side of the panel. The cutting apparatus isconfigured to cut the panel supported by the tooling apparatus.

[0010] The depaneling system advantageously uses a vacuum, or suction,to collect the dust particles from the tooling apparatus side of thepanel, instead of just collecting the dust particles from the cuttingapparatus side. The depaneling system also advantageously uses suctionto help hold the panel in place for cutting.

[0011] In another example of the invention, the tooling apparatus iscomprised of a vacuum chamber and a vacuum channel. The vacuum chamberhas one or more openings on a top side of the vacuum chamber and isconfigured to provide suction to the openings. The vacuum channel has afirst side configured to interface with the top side of the vacuumchamber and has a second side configured to interface with the panel tobe cut. The vacuum channel has one or more openings to interface withthe openings of the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber and the vacuumchannel are configured to help hold the panel in place with the suctionduring cutting of the panel by the cutting apparatus. The vacuum chamberand the vacuum channel are also configured to collect the dust particlesgenerated by cutting of the panel from the tooling apparatus side of thepanel.

[0012] In another example of the invention, the cutting apparatuscomprises a housing, a drive motor, a cutting unit, and a driveconnector. The housing comprises a first section and a second sectionseparated by a dividing member. The first section of the housing extendsfrom a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing. Thesecond section of the housing forms an enclosure between the second endof the housing and a vacuum hose connector. The drive motor is coupledto the first end of the housing and the cutting unit is coupled to thesecond end of the housing to separate the drive motor from the cuttingunit. The drive connector, such as a belt, is configured to couple thedrive motor to the cutting unit to rotate the cutting unit. The firstsection of the housing provides a path for the drive connector throughthe housing. The second section of the housing provides a dust path fromthe cutting unit to the vacuum hose connector.

[0013] The cutting apparatus advantageously uses the drive connector todrive the cutting unit instead of being a direct drive between the drivemotor and the cutting unit. Using the drive connector and separating thedrive motor and the cutting unit with the housing advantageously drivesthe cutting unit much slower than current direct drive systems. Theslower speed of the saw blade increases the life of the saw blade. Theslower speed also generates a less fine of a dust when cutting thepanel. This advantageously results in a more efficient and a cleanercutting apparatus.

[0014] Other examples of the invention may be provided below in thefollowing description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The same reference number represents the same element on alldrawings.

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a depaneling system in an example of theinvention.

[0017]FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of a tooling apparatus and acutting apparatus in an example of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 illustrates a tooling apparatus in an example of theinvention.

[0019]FIG. 4 illustrates a tooling apparatus as it is tilted to removedebris in an example of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another example of a toolingapparatus in an example of the invention.

[0021] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a cutting apparatus in an example of theinvention.

[0022]FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a housing in an example of theinvention.

[0023]FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of a cutting unit in an exampleof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] FIGS. 1-9 and the following description depict specific examplesof a depaneling system to teach those skilled in the art how to make anduse the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teachinginventive principles, some conventional aspects of the depaneling systemhave been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art willappreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope ofthe invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thefeatures described below can be combined in various ways to formmultiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is notlimited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claimsand their equivalents.

[0025] Depaneling System—FIGS. 1-2

[0026]FIG. 1 illustrates a depaneling system 100 in an example of theinvention. Depaneling system 100 is comprised of many components, someof which will not be discussed for the sake of brevity. In particular,depaneling system 100 is comprised of a frame 102, a tooling apparatus104, a cutting apparatus 106, an offload station 108, and a controller160. In relation to the ground, cutting apparatus 106 is positionedabove tooling apparatus 104. Cutting apparatus 106 and tooling apparatus104 function together to cut circuit boards from a panel.

[0027] Tooling apparatus 104 is configured to move along an X-axis usinga movement system 152. Movement system 152 may comprise a lead screwdriven by a servo motor. Tooling apparatus 104 is configured to supporta panel (not shown) comprising an array of circuit boards, and applysuction to hold the panel in place when the circuit boards are cut fromthe panel. Tooling apparatus 104 is discussed in more detail below.

[0028] Cutting apparatus 106 is configured to move along a Y-axis and aZ-axis. Cutting apparatus 106 moves along the Y-axis using movementsystem 154. Movement system 154 may also comprise a lead screw driven bya servo motor. Cutting apparatus 106 moves along the Z-axis usingmovement system 156. Movement system 156 may also comprise a lead screwdriven by a servo motor. Cutting apparatus 106 rotates about the Z-axisusing movement system 158. Movement system 158 may also comprise a thetamotor that drives a belt to rotate cutting apparatus 106. Cuttingapparatus 106 is configured to cut the panel supported by toolingapparatus 104. Cutting apparatus 106 is discussed in more detail below.

[0029]FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of tooling apparatus 104 andcutting apparatus 106 in an example of the invention.

[0030] In operation, a user of depaneling system 100 has a panelcomprising an array of circuit boards, such as Printed Circuit Boards(PCB). Assume the user wants the individual circuit boards to be cut,scored, or separated from the panel. The user places the panel on thetop side of tooling apparatus 104. Tooling apparatus 104 holds the panelin place using suction. Tooling apparatus 104 may also hold the panel inplace using registration pins, clamps, or other devices. With the panelproperly placed on the tooling apparatus 104, movement system 152 movestooling apparatus 104 along the X-axis into a position for cutting thepanel.

[0031] Controller 160 in depaneling system 100 is programmed to cut thepanel in a particular pattern to separate the individual circuit boardsfrom the panel. Controller 160 controls cutting apparatus 106 andtooling apparatus 104 to cut the panel in the specified pattern. Incontrolling cutting apparatus 106, controller 160 moves cuttingapparatus 106 along the Y-axis, moves cutting apparatus 106 along theZ-axis to make cutting apparatus 106 contact the panel or to pullcutting apparatus 106 away from the panel, and rotates cutting apparatusabout the Z-axis. In controlling tooling apparatus 104, controller 160moves tooling apparatus 104 along the X-axis.

[0032] The invention described herein encompasses depaneling systemswherein the movement of tooling apparatus 104 and cutting apparatus 106are different than described above. For instance, a depaneling systemwhere the tooling system moves along the Y-axis and the Z-axis and thecutting system moves along the X-axis is within the scope of theinvention. Also, a depaneling system where the tooling system movesalong the X-axis and the cutting system moves along the X, Y, and Z axesis within the scope of the invention.

[0033] Cutting apparatus 106 generates dust particles when cutting thepanel. Tooling apparatus 104 collects the dust particles generated onthe tooling apparatus side of the panel using suction. Cutting apparatus106 collects the dust particles generated on the cutting apparatus sideof the panel also using suction. Collecting the dust particles from bothsides of the panel helps to reduce the amount of dust particles emittedinto the air.

[0034] When the individual circuit boards are cut from the panel,tooling apparatus 104 moves along the X-axis to offload station 108. Thecircuit boards are removed from tooling apparatus 104 and placed onoffload station 108 to be moved to another machine. Tooling apparatus104 then tilts to dump debris resulting from the cutting of the panel.Tooling apparatus 104 then returns to its original position to receiveanother panel for cutting.

[0035] Depaneling system 100 may be one component in a line ofcomponents. Therefore, some of the operations of the user described maybe performed automatically by machines in line with depaneling system100. Based on this disclosure and the figures, those skilled in the artwill appreciate how to modify existing depaneling systems to makedepaneling system 100.

[0036] Tooling Apparatus—FIGS. 3-4

[0037]FIG. 3 illustrates tooling apparatus 104 in an example of theinvention. Tooling apparatus 104 is comprised of a vacuum chamber 302and a vacuum channel 304. Vacuum chamber 302 has a top side 310 havingone or more openings 312. The top side 310 of vacuum chamber 302 isconfigured to interface with vacuum channel 304. Vacuum chamber 302 mayalso include a vacuum hose connector (not shown) configured to couple toa hose of a vacuum.

[0038] Vacuum channel 304 has a bottom side 322 configured to interfacewith the top side 310 of vacuum chamber 302. Vacuum channel 304 also hasa top side 324 configured to interface with the panel (not shown) beingcut. Vacuum channel 304 includes one or more openings (not shown)passing from the bottom side 322 to the top side 324. The openings invacuum channel 304 correspond with, or interface with, the openings 312in the top side 310 of vacuum chamber 302.

[0039] The top side 324 of vacuum channel 304 is configured to supportand help hold a panel to be cut. The top side 324 of vacuum channel 304may comprise a pliable material, such as rubber, to better hold thepanel. Vacuum chamber 302 and/or vacuum channel 304 may also includeregistration pins, clamps, or other devices to help support and hold thepanel for cutting.

[0040] In operation, a user of depaneling system 100 places a panel tobe cut on the top side 324 of vacuum channel 304. The vacuum hoseconnector of vacuum chamber 302 is coupled to a vacuum in depanelingsystem 100. To create a vacuum in vacuum chamber 302, the vacuum isturned on. Suction from vacuum chamber 302 pulls air down from the topside 324 of vacuum channel 304, through the openings in vacuum channel304 and vacuum chamber 302, and into vacuum chamber 302. The suction andthe interface between the panel and vacuum channel 304 produces a sealthat helps hold the panel in place for cutting.

[0041] Vacuum channel 304 and the openings 312 in the top side 310 ofvacuum chamber 302 correspond with the pattern to be cut on the panel.Vacuum channel 304 is configured to be positioned underneath the panelwherever, or substantially wherever, a cut on the panel is to be made.In other words, the pattern of vacuum channel 304 matches, orsubstantially matches, the pattern to be cut on the panel. Vacuumchannel 304 may be customized for each different cutting pattern. Thetop side 310 of vacuum chamber 302 may also be customized for eachdifferent cutting pattern.

[0042] When the panel is properly placed on vacuum channel 304, toolingapparatus 104 moves along the X-axis into a cutting position. Cuttingapparatus 106 begins to cut the panel from the top side of the panel.Underneath the panel, vacuum channel 304 has the same pattern as thecuts being made. When cutting apparatus 106 cuts the panel and generatesdust particles, the suction through vacuum channel 304 collects the dustparticles from the tooling apparatus side of the panel. The dustparticles pass from vacuum channel 304 and through vacuum chamber 302 tothe vacuum. Cutting apparatus 106 may also include suction to collectthe dust particles on the cutting apparatus side of the panel.

[0043] When cutting apparatus 106 finishes cutting the circuit boardsout of the panel, the vacuum is shut off. Tooling apparatus 104 movesalong the X-axis to offload station 108 (see FIG. 1). The circuit boardsare removed from tooling apparatus 104, leaving the debris from thepanel. The dust particles are sucked away by the vacuum, but the largerpieces remain on top of tooling apparatus 104.

[0044] To remove the debris, tooling apparatus 104 may also include apivot apparatus configured to tilt tooling apparatus 104 about an axis.FIG. 4 illustrates tooling apparatus 104 as it is tilted to remove thedebris in an example of the invention. Pivot apparatus 412 is coupled tothe bottom side 410 of vacuum chamber 302. Pivot apparatus 412 allowstooling apparatus 104 to tilt about an axis, labeled Y′, to dump thedebris. With the debris removed, tooling apparatus 104 tips back to itsnormal position and moves along the X-axis back to its originalposition.

[0045] If the same cut pattern is being made, the user places anotherpanel on tooling apparatus 104 and repeats the above operation. If adifferent cut pattern is desired, then vacuum channel 304 and/or the topside 310 of vacuum chamber 302 needs to be swapped out for new ones thatmatch the new cutting pattern.

[0046] As stated above, depaneling system 100 may be one component in aline of components. Therefore, some of the operations of the userdescribed may be performed automatically by machines in line withdepaneling system 100.

[0047] Tooling apparatus 104 advantageously uses a vacuum or suction tocollect the dust particles from the tooling apparatus side of the panel,instead of just collecting the dust particles from the cutting apparatusside. Tooling apparatus 104 also advantageously uses the vacuum to helphold the panel in place for cutting.

[0048] Another Tooling Apparatus Example—FIG. 5

[0049]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another example of a toolingapparatus 500 in an example of the invention. Tooling apparatus 500includes a vacuum chamber 502 and a fixture 504. Vacuum chamber 502comprises a vacuum hose connector 512 coupled to a bottom side 522 ofthe vacuum chamber 502 and spacers 514 coupled to a top side 524 ofvacuum chamber 502. The top side 524 of vacuum chamber 502 may beremovable. Spacers 514 have openings 516, or holes, extending throughspacer 514 and into vacuum chamber 502.

[0050] Fixture 504 comprises a base 532, vacuum channels 534, andregistration pins 536. Base 532 is configured to sit atop spacers 514 ofvacuum chamber 502. Base 532 has openings 518, or holes, extendingthrough the base 532 to match up with openings 516 of vacuum chamber502. Base 532 is fixed to vacuum chamber 502 by a securing/locatingmechanism 560, such as a bolt, screw, etc. Vacuum channels 534 arecoupled to a top side 533 of base 532. Vacuum channels 534 are U-shapedmembers that have openings 519 extending through vacuum channels 534 tomatch up with openings 518. The tops of vacuum channels 534 include endsegments 538. End segments 538 are made of a pliable material, such asrubber. Registration pins 536 couple to the top side 533 of base 532 andextend perpendicularly to the top side 533 of base 532. Registrationpins 536 and vacuum channels 534 are configured so that a panel rests onboth the registration pins 536 and end segments 538 of vacuum channels534 simultaneously, as is illustrated by panel 550.

[0051] In operation, a vacuum hose is connected to vacuum hose connector512. The vacuum hose creates a vacuum in vacuum chamber 502. The vacuumcauses air to flow from the top side of vacuum channels 534, throughopenings 519, 518, and 516, and into vacuum chamber 502. When panel 550is placed atop registration pins 536 and end members 538, the air flowcreates suction between panel 550 and end members 538. This suctionshelps hold panel 550 in place on the registration pins 536.

[0052] Vacuum channels 534 correspond to the cuts to be made by thecutting apparatus. FIG. 5 shows cutting apparatus 106 making a cut onpanel 550. Part of the saw blade 564 of cutting apparatus 550 extendsdown into the void area within vacuum channel 534. The saw blade 564generates dust particles when cutting the panel, and the suction withinvacuum channel 534 collects the dust particles (illustrated by thearrows). The dust particles travel from vacuum channels 534 and throughvacuum chamber 502 to the vacuum. By being pliable, end members 538create a seal that allows vacuum channel 534 to collect most of the dustparticles.

[0053] Cutting apparatus 106 also has suction chambers 560 forcollecting dust particles on the cutting apparatus side of panel 550.Cutting apparatus includes brushes 562 that contact the panel. Thebrushes create a seal between suction chambers 560 and panel 550 so thatsuction chambers 560 can collect the dust particles (illustrated by thearrows).

[0054] Fixture 504 and the top side 524 and spacers 514 of vacuumchamber 502 are customized for each different cut pattern. To changepatterns, fixture 504 is unbolted from the top side 524 of vacuumchamber 502 and removed. The top side 524 is also unbolted from vacuumchamber 502 and removed. A new top side and a new fixture are attachedto vacuum chamber 502. The new top side and new fixture match the newcutting pattern of the depaneling system.

[0055] Cutting Apparatus—FIGS. 6-9

[0056] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate cutting apparatus 106 in an example of theinvention. Cutting apparatus 106 is comprised of a housing 602, a drivemotor 604, a cutting unit 606, and a drive connector 608. Housing 602comprises a top end 622 and a bottom end 624. Drive motor 604 is coupledto the top end 622 of housing 602. Cutting unit 606 is coupled to thebottom end 624 of housing 602. Drive connector 608 is configured tocouple drive motor 604 to cutting unit 606 to rotate cutting unit 606.An example of drive connector 608 is a belt.

[0057]FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of housing 602 in an example of theinvention. Housing 602 comprises an outer shell 802 and a dividingmember 804. Dividing member 804 separates a drive section 806 and avacuum section 808 within outer shell 802. Drive section 806 extendsfrom the top end 622 of housing 602 to the bottom end 624 of housing602. Drive connector 608 extends from drive motor 604 through drivesection 806 of housing 602 to cutting unit 606. Vacuum section 808extends from the bottom end 624 of housing 602 to vacuum hose connector702. Vacuum section 808 forms an enclosure between the bottom end 624 ofhousing 602 and vacuum hose connector 702 so that an attached vacuum cancause air to flow in the direction of the arrows. Drive section 806 doesnot necessarily have to form an enclosure, as a user may want to viewdrive connector 608 to ensure proper operation.

[0058]FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of cutting unit 606 in an exampleof the invention. Cutting unit 606 comprises a saw blade 902, a bearingsystem 904, a pulley 906, and an arbor 908. Bearing system 904 mayinclude a shaft for pulley 906 (now shown) and bearings (not shown).Drive connector 608 is configured to couple to pulley 906 to rotate sawblade 902.

[0059] Referring again to FIGS. 6-7, cutting apparatus 106 may bemovably coupled to housing 602 so that cutting unit 606 can be rotatedabout the Z-axis (see FIG. 1). Cutting apparatus 106 includes a thetamotor 640 that is configured to orientate cutting unit 606. Forinstance, cutting unit 606 may initially be orientated to cut along theX-axis (see FIG. 1). If cutting unit 606 is to cut along the Y-axisinstead, theta motor 640 rotates cutting unit 606 to orientate cuttingunit 606 on the proper axis. Theta motor 640 may be able to rotatecutting unit 606 270° about the Z-axis. Theta motor 640 does not rotatesaw blade 902 for cutting the panel, but rotates cutting unit 606 sothat saw blade 902 is pointing in the right direction.

[0060] Cutting apparatus 106 also includes an air cylinder 704configured to help balance the weight of cutting apparatus 106 and tohelp support cutting apparatus 106. The bottom portion of air cylinder704 is coupled to a fixed bracket 710 on depaneling system 100. The topportion of air cylinder 704 is coupled to a bracket 712 on cuttingapparatus 106. Air cylinder 704 eases the load on the motor that movescutting apparatus 106 along the Z-axis, as cutting apparatus 106 may berelatively heavy.

[0061] In operation, a vacuum hose is connected to vacuum hose connector702. The vacuum hose creates a vacuum in vacuum section 808. The vacuumcauses air to flow from the around saw blade 902 and up through vacuumsection 808 to vacuum hose connector 702.

[0062] Tooling apparatus 104 moves a panel to be cut into position undercutting apparatus 106. Drive motor 604 turns drive connector 608 whichturns saw blade 902. Drive motor 604 turns saw blade 902 between 500 and2000 rpm. Saw blade 902 cuts the panel. While cutting the panel, sawblade 902 generates dust particles. The suction from vacuum section 808collects the dust particles and transfers the dust particles up throughvacuum section 808. Vacuum section 808 collects the dust particles onthe cutting apparatus side of the panel, while vacuum channel 304collects the dust particles on the tooling apparatus side of the panel(see FIG. 3).

[0063] To increase the dust collecting ability of vacuum section 808,cutting unit 606 may include a dust hood (not shown). The dust hoodsubstantially encloses the area around saw blade 902 between the top ofcutting unit 606 and the panel. The dust hood may include brushes thatcontact the panel to make the enclosure (see FIG. 5).

[0064] Cutting apparatus 106 advantageously uses drive connector 608 todrive cutting unit 606 instead of being a direct drive between drivemotor 604 and cutting unit 606. Using drive connector 608 and separatingdrive motor 604 from cutting unit 606 with housing 602 advantageouslydrives cutting unit 606 much slower than current direct drive systems.For instance, many direct drive motors spin a saw blade at 10,000 to50,000 rpm, where drive motor 604 spins saw blade 902 between 500 and2000 rpm. The slower speed of the saw blade increases the life of thesaw blade. The slower speed also generates a less fine of a dust whencutting the panel. This advantageously results in a more efficient and acleaner cutting apparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tooling apparatus for a depaneling system, saidtooling apparatus for supporting a panel for cutting by a cuttingapparatus, said tooling apparatus comprising: an vacuum chamber havingat least one opening on a top side of said vacuum chamber and configuredto provide suction to said at least one opening; and a vacuum channelhaving a first side configured to interface with said top side of saidvacuum chamber, having a second side configured to interface with saidpanel, and having at least one opening to interface with said at leastone opening of said vacuum chamber; said vacuum chamber and said vacuumchannel configured to help hold said panel in place with said suctionduring cutting of said panel by said cutting apparatus; said vacuumchamber and said vacuum channel configured to collect dust particlesgenerated by said cutting of said panel with said suction.
 2. Thetooling apparatus of claim 1 wherein said vacuum chamber comprises: avacuum hose connector configured to couple to a vacuum hose.
 3. Thetooling apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a pliable material onsaid second end of said vacuum channel configured to interface with saidpanel.
 4. The tooling apparatus of claim 1 wherein said panel is to becut in a pattern and wherein said vacuum channel is configured tocorrespond with said pattern.
 5. The tooling apparatus of claim 4wherein said at least one opening in said vacuum chamber comprises: aplurality of holes that corresponds with said pattern.
 6. The toolingapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a fixture configured to coupleto said vacuum chamber, said fixture comprising: a base having a firstside and a second side, said first side configured to interface withsaid top side of said vacuum chamber, said base further having at leastone opening that corresponds with said at least one opening of saidvacuum chamber; said vacuum channel having said first side of saidvacuum channel configured to interface with said second side of saidbase, having said second side of said vacuum channel configured tointerface with said panel, and having said at least one opening of saidvacuum channel interface with said at least one opening of said base;and at least one registration pin extending perpendicular from said baseto support said panel.
 7. The tooling apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: at least one registration pin coupled to vacuum chamber andconfigured to support said panel.
 8. The tooling apparatus of claim 1further comprising: a pivot apparatus connected to a bottom side of saidvacuum chamber and configured to allow said tooling apparatus to pivotabout an axis.
 9. The tooling apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top sideof said vacuum chamber is removable.
 10. A depaneling system for cuttinga panel, said depaneling system comprising: a tooling apparatusconfigured to support a bottom side of said panel and help hold saidpanel in place with suction during cutting of said panel, and to collectdust particles generated by cutting of said panel with said suction; anda cutting apparatus configured to cut said panel supported by saidtooling apparatus.
 11. The depaneling system of claim 10 wherein saidtooling apparatus comprises: a vacuum chamber having at least oneopening on a top side and configured to provide suction to said at leastone opening; and a vacuum channel having a first side configured tointerface with said top side of said vacuum chamber, having a secondside configured to interface with said panel, and having at least oneopening to interface with said at least one opening of said vacuumchamber; said vacuum chamber and said vacuum channel configured to helphold said panel in place with said suction during cutting of said panelby said cutting apparatus; said vacuum chamber and said vacuum channelconfigured to collect said dust particles generated by said cutting ofsaid panel with said suction.
 12. The depaneling system of claim 11wherein said vacuum chamber comprises: a vacuum hose connectorconfigured to couple to a vacuum hose.
 13. The depaneling system ofclaim 11 further comprising: a pliable material on said second end ofsaid vacuum channel to interface with said panel.
 14. The depanelingsystem of claim 11 wherein said panel is to be cut in a pattern andwherein said vacuum channel is configured to correspond with saidpattern.
 15. The depaneling system of claim 14 wherein said at least oneopening in said vacuum chamber comprises: a plurality of holes thatcorresponds with said pattern.
 16. The depaneling system of claim 11further comprising: a fixture configured to couple to said vacuumchamber, said fixture comprising: a base having a first side and asecond side, said first side configured to interface with said top sideof said vacuum chamber, said base further having at least one openingthat corresponds with said at least one opening of said vacuum chamber;said vacuum channel having said first side of said vacuum channelconfigured to interface with said second side of said base, having saidsecond side of said vacuum channel configured to interface with saidpanel, and having said at least one opening of said vacuum channelinterface with said at least one opening of said base; and at least oneregistration pin extending perpendicular from said base to support saidpanel.
 17. The depaneling system of claim 10 wherein said toolingapparatus further comprises: at least one registration pin configured tosupport said panel.
 18. The depaneling system of claim 10 furthercomprising: a pivot system connected to a bottom side of said toolingapparatus and configured to allow said tooling apparatus to pivot aboutan axis.
 19. A cutting apparatus for a depaneling system, said cuttingapparatus comprising: a housing comprising a first section and a secondsection separated by a dividing member, said first section extendingfrom a first end of said housing to a second end of said housing, saidsecond section forming an enclosure between said second end of saidhousing and a vacuum hose connector; a drive motor coupled to said firstend of said housing; a cutting unit coupled to said second end of saidhousing; and a drive connector configured to couple said drive motor tosaid cutting unit to rotate said cutting unit, said drive connectorextending from said drive motor through said first section to saidcutting unit.
 20. The cutting apparatus of claim 19 wherein said secondsection is configured to provide suction to said second end of saidhousing to collect dust particles around said cutting unit.
 21. Thecutting apparatus of claim 19 wherein said drive motor is configured torotate said cutting unit at a speed less than 3000 rpm.
 22. The cuttingapparatus of claim 19 wherein said cutting unit comprises a saw blade.23. The cutting apparatus of claim 19 wherein said drive connectorcomprises a belt.
 24. The cutting apparatus of claim 19 furthercomprising: an air cylinder configured to connect to said depanelingsystem and balance the weight of said cutting apparatus.
 25. Adepaneling system for cutting a panel, said depaneling systemcomprising: a tooling apparatus configured to support said panel tofacilitate cutting of said panel; and a cutting apparatus configured tocut said panel supported by said tooling apparatus, said cuttingapparatus comprising: a housing comprising a first section and a secondsection separated by a dividing member, said first section extendingfrom a first end of said housing to a second end of said housing, saidsecond section forming an enclosure between said second end of saidhousing and a vacuum hose connector; a drive motor coupled to said firstend of said housing; a cutting unit coupled to said second end of saidhousing; and a drive connector configured to couple said drive motor tosaid cutting unit to rotate said cutting unit, said drive connectorextending from said drive motor through said first section to saidcutting unit.
 26. The depaneling system of claim 25 wherein said toolingapparatus is configured to support a bottom side of said panel and helphold said panel in place with suction during cutting of said panel, andto collect dust particles generated by cutting of said panel with saidsuction.
 27. The depaneling system of claim 25 wherein said secondsection is configured to provide suction to said second end of saidhousing to collect dust particles around said cutting unit.
 28. Thedepaneling system of claim 25 wherein said drive motor is configured tospin said cutting unit at a speed of less than 3000 rpm.
 29. Thedepaneling system of claim 25 wherein said cutting unit comprises a sawblade.
 30. The depaneling system of claim 25 wherein said driveconnector comprises a belt.
 31. The depaneling system of claim 25wherein said cutting apparatus further comprises: an air cylinderconnected to said depaneling system and said cutting apparatus andconfigured to balance the weight of said cutting apparatus.